Cook-Rutledge Mansion

The Cook-Rutledge Mansion, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the finest examples of High Victorian- Italianate architecture in the Midwest. The home was built in 1873 by attorney and State Assemblyman James Monroe Bingham who later became Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin.

In 1887 lumber baron Edward Rutledge purchased the home and began extensive remodeling. The results are the home you see today. Rutledge was affiliated with The Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company and a partner of Frederick Weyerhaeuser.

Attorney and later Judge, Dayton Cook purchased the home in 1915. The surviving member of the family, Mabel Cook, sold the property to the Chippewa County Historical Society in 1973. The Mansion is in excellent structural condition and has been carefully restored and furnished.

The lavish red brick house is located on a tree-covered lot enclosed by a wrought iron fence. The elegant structure with its carved bric-a-brac has a graceful veranda with extending port-cochere. Lacy iron grill-work surmounts the roof and cupola.

Extraordinary hand-painted ceilings and walls, ornately carved woodwork, parquet floors, hand-crafted silver doorknobs and hinge plates, and crystal chandeliers enhance the beauty of the interior. The grand staircase of carved golden oak provides an elegant setting for the cathedral stained glass window on the landing. The Mansion has five fireplaces, each with a unique wood mantel and imported ceramic tile face.

Those wishing to view the grand life style of the lumber era may tour the home Thursday -Friday - Saturday and Sunday Tours at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.

Donations: Adults $5.00 - 18 years or under $1.00.
Large group discount available for groups of 25 or more.

Special Group Tours may be arranged by calling 715-723-7181